Papal handling of allegations of abuse in Peru

Papal handling of allegations of abuse in Peru

in Lima, Peru, the future Pope Leo, as a missionary and Bishop, faced one of the most serious and extensive scandals of the church in Latin America. For years there have been allegations of abuse within the influential Catholic community Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), which maintained close connections to the powerful and wealthy circles Peru.

The scandal reaches its climax

The scandal escalated in 2015, after Leo's appointment as Bishop of the North Peruvian city of Chiclayo, when the book "Half monks, half soldiers" by Pedro Salinas and journalist Paola Ugaz was released. In this book, the reports of 30 anonymous victims were published, reported by beating, humiliation and sexual assault in frightening Details. These revelations caused a stir nationwide and led to a massive public horror.

acting the church

Several survivors in Peru, including Ugaz and a source from the Vatican, which was closely associated with the case, CNN reported that Leo's final intervention - especially after a decisive meeting in 2019 and an important promotion in Rome - was the decisive moment that finally brought the church to take drastic measures.

a secret brotherhood

The Sodalitium Christianae Vitae was known for her secret brotherhood, which has formed a strong network of influential members for years. These interdependencies not only led to abuse of power, but also to a culture of silence that prevented many victims from telling their stories. The revelations about abuse within this community are a critical chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in Latin America.